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Beat the heat, drain the damp: why Chinese youth are turning to TCM

As China enters the peak of summer heat, an increasing number of youth believe they have found a solution to fatigue, oily skin, and low…

By Samantha Johnson / August 4, 2026

As China enters the peak of summer heat, an increasing number of youth believe they have found a solution to fatigue, oily skin, and low energy: qushi, or eliminating dampness from the body.

Rooted in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the centuries-old concept of “dampness” dates back about 2,000 years to the Huangdi Neijing, one of the earliest foundational texts of Chinese medicine.

Recently, it has evolved into a viral wellness trend, inspiring remedies ranging from cupping and herbal foot baths to back sunbathing and sand therapy.

In TCM theory, dampness refers to an imbalance in the body’s fluid regulation, attributed to factors such as humidity, poor diet, insufficient sleep, and excessive air conditioning.

In traditional Chinese medicine, “damp-heat” is one of the most common internal imbalances identified as the cause of sudden or persistent red, itchy patches on the skin, especially on the back. Photo: QQ.com
In traditional Chinese medicine, “damp-heat” is one of the most common internal imbalances identified as the cause of sudden or persistent red, itchy patches on the skin, especially on the back. Photo: QQ.com

Traditionally associated with fatigue and digestive issues, “excess dampness” has become a catch-all explanation among many young Chinese for oily hair, acne, and low energy.

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